Delhi's Dog Population Crisis: Court Orders Stray Dogs to Shelters

The Indian Supreme Court has ordered the authorities in Delhi and its suburbs to relocate all stray dogs to animal shelters within an eight-week timeframe, citing significant concerns over rabies and increasing dog bites. With an estimated stray dog population of around one million, the court emphasized the need for protective measures, particularly for vulnerable groups such as infants and young children. Animal welfare organizations are voicing their discontent with the tight deadline, arguing that cities lack adequate resources for rehabilitation and calling for a focus on existing regulations.

The court initiated this directive following a surge in dog bites that have raised public safety concerns. The ruling entails the establishment of multiple shelters throughout Delhi and nearby areas, each designed to accommodate at least 5,000 dogs, equipped with sterilization and vaccination services, along with surveillance systems. Furthermore, sterilized dogs must not be returned to public spaces as per the new order. In addition, the court has requested a dedicated helpline within a week to report incidents of bites and rabies. However, animal rights advocates argue that the set timeline is overly ambitious considering the current infrastructure limitations, urging the authorities to prioritize enhancing existing measures such as vaccination and population control to address the issue effectively. Government statistics recorded 3.7 million dog bite incidents in 2024, while the true number of rabies fatalities remains shrouded in uncertainty, with WHO estimates suggesting 18,000-20,000 deaths annually.